The Only Safe Refuge

Part III

The darkness of the closet pressed in on Natalia as she sat, huddled and shaking in a corner. Hot tears streaked down her face, and her breath came in short bursts. She'd heard the commotion in the living room, heard Nick's voice and the scuffle that had ensued. Still, she wasn't sure if it were safe to come out. Footsteps sounded in the bathroom outside the closet door; a shadow fell across the light coming from the crack under the door, and Natalia held her breath, fear gripping her chest like a live thing. Light flooded into the closet as the door opened, and Natalia scooted further back into the shadows. She didn't recognise Eric at first, but his voice was clear and familiar.

"Natalia," he called, squatting down and peering into the closet,

"It's safe to come out, now."

Natalia felt weak with relief, yet she was still cautious.

"Is he gone?" She asked, her voice trembling.

Eric nodded and reached for the frightened woman.

"Yeah, he's gone. Horatio's taking care of him now. Come on out."

Before he knew what was happening, Natalia flung herself against Eric's chest, encircling his shoulders tightly with her arms. Eric could feel her body shaking against his, and heard her relieved sobs in his ear. Soothingly, he began rubbing her back with one hand while cradling her head against his shoulder with the other.

"It's not over, Eric;" she whispered in panic, her words muffled by his shoulder,

"It's not over; he'll be back, and he'll be worse than ever." Panic caused her voice to rise and her words ended high and shakey.

Eric shushed her, holding her tighter against his body.

"Natalia, don't do this. If he comes back, we'll deal with it. But right now, I want you to calm down and relax. Don't think about the what ifs until they come to pass." Eric placed a gentle kiss on her ear.

Suddenly, Horatio's quiet, warm voice sounded behind them.

"Eric's right, Natalia. If Nick comes back for you, we'll be waiting for him."

Turning his head, Eric looked up at his boss. He felt uncomfortable that Horatio had seen him holding Natalia so tightly, but for now, it didn't matter. Horatio seemed to sense Eric's thoughts, and smiled assuringly.

"Take care of her Eric," he instructed and turned, leaving the two cops still sitting on the floor.

Natalia pulled back and looked into Eric's face. Gently, he brushed a strand of dark hair from her eyes.

"You're safe here, Natalia. You don't have to cry anymore." Eric's words were gentle, his voice almost seductive.

Natalia nodded, and Eric once again smoothed away the tears that had run down her cheeks. They sat, still in their loose embrace for a moment more before Natalia's eyes dropped to Eric's mouth. She remembered what it was like to kiss him; before they broke up. Now, she felt the need to have him kiss her again, and she wished he would. When Eric's mouth touched hers, Natalia wondered for a fleeting minute if she'd said her thoughts outloud. She leaned into him, willingly accepting the kiss, when Eric pulled away. Natalia frowned in confusion.

"I mean it," Eric whispered, looking into her eyes,

"You'll always be safe here."

As he kissed her again, Natalia knew there was no where else that would be any safer than right there, in the circle of Eric's arms.